At the beginning of the year, thing were looking pretty good for all segments of the brewing industry. Local and state municipalities see craft beer as an important economic driver, That’s why a tax cut was part of Trump’s disastrous tax bill and why this year the industry got an one year extension for that tax reduction. Then COVID-19 happened.
Most states have closed bars and prevented restaurants from providing in house service. They are allowed to provide grab and go service. How has this affected brewers and distillers?
Here is a roundup of articles about how the liquor industry is faring during the pandemic. Like everything else in our society, regulations surrounding certain practices are being loosened or abandoned. When this is over, many thing will be different.
Deschutes Brewery has laid off over 300 workers and is not presently offering any to-go services.
The governor of Rhode Island issued an executive order that allows limited sale of beer and wine when people are getting takeout from restaurants.
Last Saturday, some Milwaukee brewers had a pop-up brewery drive-through in a parking lot.
Before the virus, only twelve states allowed delivery of all kinds of liquor while thirty-one states allowed delivery of beer and wine. This article is arguing for a permanent change in these regulations.
Reminiscent of Prohibition, distilleries are producing hand sanitizer. The relief bill passed last week allows distilleries to do this without having to pay the excise tax.
I hope everyone is safe and stays well.